IN THIS ISSUE

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF ST GEORGE ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN CHURCHKEARNEY, NEBRASKA

ChronicleST. GEORGE

JULY 2017

EST. 1903The Very Rev. Christopher Morris

Pastor

ST GEORGE ORTHODOX CHURCH, KEARNEY NE 68847

PAGE 1ICONOGRAPHY PROJECTHoly Prophet St. Moses

PAGE 2SOMETHING OLD BECOMES NEWA Parish GiftHANDFUL OF SANDby Elder Ephraim of AZ

PAGE 3OUR GOOD SHEPHERDA Pastoral Visit

PAGE 4WE GET LETTERS...BIRTHDAYSANNIVERSARIESDONATIONS

PAGE 5MINISTRY UPDATES

PAGE 6BULLETIN BOARD

Announcements

PAGE 9ST. GEORGE SCRAPBOOK

Making Memories

JULY 2017 1

SAVE THE DATES JULY 23St. Timon Sunday

JULY 24-27, Vacation Bible SchoolTheme: Fruit of the Holy Spirit

JULY 30, Lunch after LiturgyAbood Family Reunion, to visit

AUGUST 6Transfiguration of Christ

AUGUST 15The Dormition of the Theotokos

AUGUST 19 - 20Invitation to St. Mary’s in Omaha

Welcome readers, to our second series of the iconography at St. George. There are 14, beau�fully wri�en, Holy Prophet icons that adorn the ceiling above the nave. The first icon featured is the Prophet, Saint Moses.The Holy Prophet and God-Seer Moses was of the tribe of Levi, the son of Abram and Jochabed (Exodus 6:20). His life is described in the Bible (Exodus 2 through Deuteronomy 34:12).

Moses was born in Egypt around 1689 B.C. When Pharaoh ordered all male children of the Hebrew slaves to be killed (Exodus 1:22), Moses’ mother placed him in a basket of papyrus coated with pitch, and set him adri� on the Nile. Pharaoh’s daughter found him and raised him as her own son.

At the age of eighty, Moses fled to Midian, where he spoke to God in the Burning Bush on Mt. Horeb (Exodus 3:2). God chose Moses to lead His people from the slavery of Egypt. They crossed the Red Sea as if it were dry land, and for forty years they wandered in the desert.

Arriving in the land of Moab, Moses went to the top of Mt. Nabau, or Nebo (Deuteronomy 32:49), which is called Phasga (Deut. 34:1). There, according to the will of God, he died in 1569 B.C. at the age of 120 without entering the Promised Land.

The first two Biblical Odes are a�ributed to Moses: “Let

us sing to the Lord...” (Exodus 15:1-9),

which was sung on the shores of the Red Sea a�er the

Hebrews had crossed it. “A�end,O heaven...” (Deut.

32:1-43) was sung in the land of Moab, a

few days before Moses’ death. He is also regarded

as the author of the Pentateuch (the first five books of

the Old Testament).

The holy Prophet Moses performed

many miracles during his life�me,

and also a�er his death. He appeared on Mount Tabor with the Prophet Elias

at the Transfigura�on of the Lord(August 6).

His scroll reads, “Rejoice ye heavens with Him - and let all the Angels of God worship Him.”

OurBelovedIcons

SponsorshipoftheProphetMosesiconatSt.GeorgeKearney,wasofferedinMemoryof

Mose&WadiaYanneybytheirchildren

source:oca.org

2 JULY 2017 ST GEORGE ORTHODOX CHURCH, KEARNEY NE 68847

“My thanks for the truly awesome and generous gi� of the pectoral

cross. It is so beau�ful! I will wear it before the holy altar with hear�elt

gra�tude for each of you.”

With love in Christ,Fr. Christopher

~ God Grant You Many Years, Father ~

A Handful of SandCan you measure God’s mercy? In the face of God’s mercy, the sins of the worst person ever are a handful of sand in the ocean. There’s no sin that can defeat God’s mercy.God’s depicted as our mother; Can the sin of a child overcome the love of a mother? If a mother loves her child, God loves us infinitely more than that. He demonstrated this clearly when he was crucified on the Cross.Saint Peter denied the Lord three �mes, and repentance restored him. Through repentance, the great persecutor of Chris�ans, Saint Paul, became one of the chief apostles. Repentance has sanc�fied harlots, robbers, tax-collectors and thousands of other guilty people. So put aside your worry and the chas�sement of your conscience. Become hopeful, take courage and get rid of any thought of despair. – Elder Ephraim of Arizona

Photo of the parish family gi� given to Fr. Christopher, for his eleva�on to the dignity of Archpriest. Father provided the wood, ................................... (from an old cross he had, made of Boxwood), ........................................for the ar�st to carve. This custom hand-...........................................carved pectoral cross is encased in silver ................................................with a stunning, silver linked chain. ..................................................Be sure to ask to see this beau�ful ....................................................one-of-a-kind pectoral cross!

Something old becomes something new . . .

BUILDING FUNDBUILDING FUNDST. GEORGE ORTHODOX CHURCH - kearney,NE

“Honoring our Past, Building our Future”

We are so happy to report that we have only $1885 le� to go, and we will complete Phase I of the Building Project. This will bring us that much closer to building a new Parish Hall.The Parish council would especially like to thank all of the generous benefactors that a�ended the Banquet in April. We were blessed with a visit from Bishop Basil, celebrated the feast day of our patron saint, St. George, and shared in Father Christopher’s eleva�on to the dignity of Archpriest. Because of your generosity in giving, we raised over $14,000, in just one evening, for the Building Fund! We give thanks to God for your gi�s and pledges.

To the Building & Grounds Commi�ee, and parish volunteers, for tending to the Flowers, Shrubs and lawn care at St. George and the parish house. The playground is ready for another summer of play and new flowers have been planted. The corner of “15th and G” looks great!

source:h�p://pemptousia.com/2015/12/a-handful-of-sand/

3 JULY 2017 ST GEORGE ORTHODOX CHURCH, KEARNEY NE 68847

Our life depends on the kind of thoughts we nurture. If our thoughts are peaceful, calm, meek, and kind, then that is what our life is like. If our a�en�on is turned to the circumstances in which we live, we are drawn into a whirlpool of thoughts and can have neither peace nor tranquility. – Elder Thaddeus of Vitovnica

OUR THOUGHTS DETERMINE OUR LIVES

ST. TIMON SUNDAY is July 23Each year on “Saint Timon Sunday” the congrega�ons of our Diocese are asked to prayfully consider the needs of DOWAMA’s “The Hauran Connec�on” which assists our Sister Diocese of Bosra-Hauran in south Syria. This area is shepherded by His Eminence Metropolitan Saba.

A�er Liturgy on Sunday, July 23rd, we will accept dona�ons for St. Timon Sunday; please make check payable to St. George with message line "Bosra-Hauran". If you are unable to a�end Liturgy on July 23rd, please plan now to give an offering in advance. Thank you for your con�nued support to help St. George Kearney par�cipate in this community offering to our Sister Diocese. Let us encourage our brothers and sisters in Christ, through our prayers and gi�s. Any monetary amount you can give, does make a difference, especially in Syria. Please prayerfully consider how you can help. Thank you.

April 23rd, 2017 - What a very special day this was - in the life of our parish family and our church. We welcomed a pastoral visit from our beloved Father and Chief Pastor, His Grace Bishop BASIL. He came to celebrate with us, the Feast day of our patron saint, St. George, and to elevate our pastor Fr. Christopher Morris, to the dignity of Archpriest. A�er Saturday vespers, parish volunteers hosted an honorary banquet. Dinner was provided with dona�ons being accepted for the St. George Building Fund. We gave thanks to God for His many blessings - gi�s and dona�ons were over $14,000. We had clergy and friends travel from Omaha, Lincoln, and North Pla�e, Nebraska; Wichita, and McPherson, Kansas. Others came from PA, AR, TX, CO, SD, IA and FL. We had an opportunity to laugh and share stories with our past priest, Hieromonk Philip. Sunday morning we witnessed the eleva�on of Father Christopher, to Archpriest. We were richly blessed by His Grace, as he served a Hierarchical Liturgy. Three “of our own” were tonsured as taper bearers - Joseph Morris, Drew Fothergill, and Mark Klein.

With all of these “highlights” it is difficult to pick out one. The homily given by Bishop BASIL was most assuredly, at the top. His presence alone, evokes peace and love. When he arrived Saturday evening, the faithful filled the church, and nervous an�cipa�on filled the air. And then, quietly, the doors opened. There he stood, pa�ently wai�ng in silence while the faithful held their breath. Such love in those eyes! And then the proud moment, as he watched his young shepherd approach him, the Holy Gospels raised high. The clergy, knowing the love of their master, made a solemn and joyful procession together, as they walked towards the holy altar.

The scripture reading this day, was from the book of John and the Belief of Thomas. “Because you have seen Me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen

OUR GOOD SHEPHERD

(continued on page 7)

happy anniversary

B rthdays DonationsGratefully Received

GOD GRANT YOUMANY YEARS In Honor of

May God bless you all for your generosity!

Dona�on to the Chronicle newsle�er from Anonymous donor.

Dona�ons to the St. George Building Fund from: Dorothy Ridolfi, Hierodeacon Benedict (Armitage), Hierodeacon Mark (Berge), Josie and Greg Awtry, Wanda and Jim Maloley

Dona�ons to St. George Building Fund, in honor of anniversaries for Amanda & Ron, Tony & Bessie, and birthdays for Margaret and Subdeacon Michael.

Dona�ons to St. George Building Fund, for Father’s Day in honor of Fr. Christopher, Nimir Maloley, John Morris, and Mark Klein.

WE GET LETTERS . . .

*********************************************

4 JULY 2017 ST GEORGE ORTHODOX CHURCH, KEARNEY NE 68847

I have enclosed a small dona�on for your building fund. My cousin Jenny Bergt tells me what great plans the church has.Blessings,Dorothy RidolfiP.S. I love your St. George Chronicle!

Dear Friends . . . our church family,Thank you for all the fes�ve and spiritual celebra�on of Fr. Christopher’s eleva�on to Archpriest. A special blessing for those who organized, prac�ced, chanted and decorated.St. George has been so kind and generous to Fr. Christopher, Kh. Anastasia, Gabriella, Juliana, Joseph and Elizabeth through the years. May God bless each of you.You are loved by the Morris families.Yours In Christ,John & Margaret

The second annual Tea, put on by some of the ladies of St. George on May 13 was wonderful. The serving table was beau�ful with all of their pre�y and delicious delicacies. The sea�ng tables were decorated with neat center pieces, some made by some very talented people. It was great to hear Mark, Joanie, Mike and Darlene tell and show pictures of the Holy Land that they recently visited. It was very interes�ng and informa�ve.

Thank you all, Jenny Bergt

In Memory of

Dona�ons to the St. George Memorial Account in memory of Sadie Malooley from Mike and Ronda Maloley; in memory of her father Nick Patsios (May 23, 2011) and uncle James Patsios (May 25, 2011) from Joanie Klein.

July 7Mark & Sandee Buchman

July 10John & Theodora Wolf

July 12Phillip & Ashley Maloley

July 5Linda Maloley

July 9Delaney Denny

July 11Joanie Klein

July 15Sidonya Fulton

July 16Bill Rempel

July 18Amanda Williamson

Drew FothergillCora Lyall

July 20Beverly Shada

July 22Dione SteinbrinkTasia Theoharis

July 30Virginia Suleiman

A special thanks to our generous benefactors and St. Helena’s Ladies Society of St. George, for their dona�ons to help fund the Banquet during Bishop Basil’s visit in April. Your support provided a fun evening for all. Yours in Christ, the Banquet commi�ee Thank You!

Women’sBook Study

Summer is here and a change in our Book Study schedule. We will meet on Mondays, at 11:00 am. Mee�ng �me lasts for approx. 1 hour. We thank our gracious hosts, Amanda Denny and Sarah Fothergill for le�ng us meet in their homes. All ladies of St. George (or bring a friend) are invited to par�cipate in our fellowship of reading and sharing their stories. Please Come!

MINISTRY UPDATES

AP RISHCOUNCIL

St. George

May 14th was our last day of Sunday School for the year and we enjoyed yummy popsicles a�er classes. Thank you to all of the parents for faithfully bringing your children to class each week and contribu�ng to our wonderful year of classes! Many thanks to our teachers as well. Summer VBS is planned for July 24-27. We will meet from 12:30 to 3:00 on these days. Be sure to register and plan now to a�end. We look forward to seeing your children!

Thank you to Rocky and Dionne Steinbrink for dona�ng May's Mystery Basket. We will use the funds to help with Camp St. Raphael expenses.

st. georgeyouth group

adies society

ST. HELENA

Thank you ladies for your a�endance at our June mee�ng. We had a visit from reader Michael (Levi Hadley). He expressed his gra�tude for the monetary dona�on we gave, to help with travel expenses to a monastery in New Mexico. He has returned with a deeper understanding and apprecia�on for the service of chan�ng, prayer and the ministry of music in our church services. Thank you Levi for sharing.Many thanks again for those who provided treats for the Spring Bake Sale. We chose Habitat for Humanity, as part of our alms giving during Great Lent. We were able to give $1322.00 from our sales. What a joy to give to our community in this way! We couldn’t do it without you.Our second annual Tea was another success! The treats and table decora�ons were wonderful. Thank you to the volunteers who helped prepare for the event. Michael, Darlene, Mark and Joanie each shared a “highlight” from their recent trip to the Holy Land of Jerusalem. Even our guests were inspired by their stories and photos.We are working on a summer or early fall, social gathering of fun and fellowship. Sugges�ons have been: shopping a local bou�que, visi�ng a winery, or gather for treats and a cra� ac�vity. Do you have an idea? please let Ashley or Joanie know.Vaca�on Bible School is planned for July 24-27. Sign-up sheets will be posted, if they do need our help.Jenny Bergt shared info regarding their Abood family reunion in July. They plan to a�end church services on Sunday, July 30 and we’re invited to join them for lunch, a�er church.

The Ladies Society will provide a “main dish” (meat) and all ladies that are able, should plan to bring a side dish or dessert. What a wonderful opportunity to extend our love and hospitality to our St. George visitors. Jenny’s niece, Janet Kalush, who published a Lebanese Cookbook: Kibbee ‘n’ Spice and Everything Nice,has offered to bring several copies for us to purchase and sell in our bookstore. A wonderful resource for popular recipes that your family will enjoy. There is a picture of Jenny’s mother in the book and fun facts about Lebanese cooking. Janet will even autograph your cookbook! Plan now to purchase, and get an extra copy for yourself because you may not get it back, if you loan it out!

5 JULY 2017 ST GEORGE ORTHODOX CHURCH, KEARNEY NE 68847

Yes, we are a small church family but by God’s grace, we work together to get things done. Thank you for keeping your parish council in your prayers. Much of what we do, couldn’t get done without your con�nued stewardship and love for St. George. It is a joy and honor to serve our priest and you, our parish family.

(continued)

st. george BULLETIN BOARD

6 JULY 2017 ST GEORGE ORTHODOX CHURCH, KEARNEY NE 68847

Darren & CoraYou’re Invited to the wedding of:

Saturday, July 29th, 2017at 3:00 pm

St. George Orthodox ChurchKearney, Nebraska

Reception to follow. Please let Cora know if you plan to attend, directions with map will be handed out

THEESEN LYALL

SEPTEMBER 15, 16Friday eve & Sat. morning

More info to come. Start planning now to sort through your offerings for St. George. Save the date and volunteer to help by se�ng-up, working or cleaning-up a�er it’s over.NO PRICE TAGS. This will be another “Free Will Offering” sale.

“MANY HANDS MAKE LIGHT

WORK.”

FOR ST. GEORGE

Save the Date!

We will offer Vaca�on Bible School July 24-27, 2017. Classes will be held from 12:30-3:00 pm in the St. George Parish Hall. We invite all pre-school and school-aged children (Ages 3 -12) to a�end.We will begin each a�ernoon with a prayer service in the church and then move to

classrooms for lessons, cra�s, snacks, and games. We will end each day back in the church with closing prayer.If you would like to help by volunteering to bring snacks or help with cra� �me, please see Kh. Anastasia or sign-up in the parish hall.

Calling All Kids!VBS 2017

July 24 - 2712:30 - 3:00

“FruitoftheHolySpirit”

St. George

WEBSITE

www.saintgeorgekearney.com

We offer numerous resources to encourage you in your Orthodox journey.

Video clips, Ar�cles, Podcasts, Photos, Weekly

Church Bulle�n, The Chronicle Newsle�er, and

our Monthly Calendar.

“Freelyyouhavereceived,freelygive”.

(Ma�hew 10:8)

the ABOOD

REUNIONFamily

Jenny Bergt (Abood) and family, will be a�ending St.

George for church on Sunday, July 30th. The Ladies Society will be hos�ng a special lunch

and YOU’RE INVITED!Please come join us for a

“summer theme picnic lunch” and meet Jenny’s family!

Visit us today!

* * * * * * * * * *

* * * * * * * * * *

7 JULY 2017 ST GEORGE ORTHODOX CHURCH, KEARNEY NE 68847

CREATIVE ARTS FESTIVAL

by Olivia Denny, Grade 1

Church

I pray in church.I sing in church.I do the cross in church.We eat in church.Then we leave from church.

3rd

VOLUNTEERS NEEDEDThe Parish Council, in coopera�on with the Building & Grounds Ministry, have made a decision to purchase a new lawn mower and tools necessary to maintain the proper�es of St. George. We would like to thank the generous benefactor that has been paying a monthly lawn service company to do this for us, these past few months.It is our desire to have Lawn-Mowing teams, minimum of two people per team, to take turns mowing the church lawns weekly, through the summer months. All volunteers will be asked to a�end a safety training session, before they can begin mowing. Grab a partner or two, pick a fun name for your team, and register on the sign-up sheet posted in the basement. (Training sessions TBA.)THE DETAILS. Lawn care, one day a week, at St. George, the parish houses and new property to the north. Will need volunteers to operate a rider mower, a push mower for smaller areas, a trimmer and a blower. With teams of two or more, this should take about 2 hours to complete. We will not bag the clippings.Do you like the smell of fresh mowed grass? This ministry is for you! Grab a hat, a water bo�le, put on some sun screen and let’s get mowing! You can say the Jesus prayer while you walk or ride. A Win-Win for you and St. George!

and yet they believed.” Without hesita�on, he reminded us, “this is us, you and me.” “We have not seen but yet, we believe.” May we strive to have the same hear�elt desire as Thomas, to want Christ in our daily lives.

Empha�cally, our beloved Bishop quickly affirmed, that “even though Christopher is telling you this gathering is not about him, IT MOST CERTAINLY IS!” And for the next 20 minutes or so, the faithful were li�ed and blessed by His Grace, his words regarding “our good shepherd” and what St. John Chrysostom calls the “second greatest gi� - the priesthood.”

“A Good Shepherd leads his sheep, and is one who lays down his life, for his sheep.” We knew the words to be true. One look at Father Christopher’s young family, his wife, his mother and father and the piercing truth that he sacrifices daily, �me he could spend with them, but yet faithfully offers it to us. Our Chief Pastor orchestrated beau�fully, the importance and blessings that flow from a priest’s hands. Through the Holy Sacraments, his hands are con�nually showing us God’s steadfast love. From our Bap�sm, to marriage and confession; the Holy Eucharist each Sunday, and even unto our own death - his hands are God’s chosen instruments to extend His eternal love to each of us, as we journey through our salva�on.

Then to the gut-wrenching truth about our day of judgement before the awesome seat of Christ. Comfor�ng yes, to be reminded that we will be accompanied by our guardian angel. Not so comfor�ng to hear again that unless we “loose that which binds us on earth”, Christ will not “loose” in our final judgement. Many of us learned, for the first �me, the sobering news, that our Shepherd will be judged by an even higher standard. His judgement will include every parishioner he had an opportunity to minister to, including those who choose to walk away from Christ. Our hearts became heavy as we contemplated the sacrifices a “good shepherd” must make, to keep his sheep together, including the lost or broken ones. Lord, please, have mercy.

Olivia Denny’s poem “Church”, from St. George Kearney, earned a silver ribbon and 3rd place in the 1st grade division

(continued on page 8)

(continued from page 3)

8 JULY 2017 ST GEORGE ORTHODOX CHURCH, KEARNEY NE 68847

Our Master thanked us for the parish gi�, a beau�ful pectoral cross, befi�ng for the “good shepherd” and worthy priest in Father Christopher. He lovingly encouraged us to con�nue to “walk with Christ” knowing that through our priest, our walk has grown deeper, “because of his goodness.” Finally, the best gi� we could ever give our Shepherd is to live a life that is “worthy” of being called a Chris�an. May it be blessed.

On this day, the faithful in a�endance, couldn’t help but know in their hearts, their lives had been blessed. May this knowledge strengthen each of us to “pick up our cross daily” with a renewed spirit. Glory to God for His steadfast love - through His good shepherds, our esteemed Bishop BASIL and the Very Rev. Priest Christopher.

(continued from page 7)

When: Where:

Saturday, August 19, 2017 – Sunday, August 20, 2017

Vespers - St. Mary Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church 10303 Boyd Street, Omaha, NE 68134 Cocktail Hour/Banquet/Dance – DC Centre Banquet Facility 11830 Stonegate Drive, Omaha, NE 68164

4:00 p.m. – Vespers at St. Mary Antiochian Orthodox Christian ChurchSaturday Schedule:

5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Cocktail Hour at DC Centre 6:30 p.m. – Dinner Served/Program Following

“I am the good shepherd, and I know My sheep,

Following Program to 10:30 p.m. – Dance and Entertainment

10:00 a.m. – Hierarchical Divine LiturgySunday Schedule:

and am known by My own.” - John 10:14

St. Mary Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church invites you to an evening of joyous celebration!

Please join us in recognizing: › His Grace Bishop BASIL’s 25-Year Anniversary

› V. Rev. Fr. Don’s 30-Year Anniversary › St. Mary Parish’s 60-Year Anniversary

An RSVP now reserves your seat!

In lieu of charging a fee to attend this event, we ask that you consider a donation to St. Mary Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church. We appreciate your consideration and are grateful for your attendance.

For more information regarding the event, please contact Linda Steinbrink at 402.658.0414 or Jennifer Mancuso at 402.319.6389.

We’re Invited!

RSVPThe Holy Bread Sign-up sheet is posted in the parish hall, downstairs. Reserve your dates now. Not able to bake bread?

Several of the ladies will be happy to bake for you and you can s�ll offer your family names for prayers. See Father Christopher for more informa�on. What a special way to serve St. George and your parish family. May God Bless your offering.

SUNDAY OF ORTHODOXY

CRAFTS

LAZARUS SATURDAY CARNIVAL

Making Memories as we journey to Holy Pascha with our church family

We made our own Pascha Candles

9 JULY 2017 ST GEORGE ORTHODOX CHURCH, KEARNEY NE 68847

* *

* *

* *

“And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.” Acts 11:26

Chroniclest. george

Monthly Publication of St. George Orthodox ChristianChurch, Kearney, Nebraska

A parish of the AntiochianOrthodox Christian Archdioceseof North America, Diocese ofWichita and Mid-AmericaThe Right Rev. BASIL, bishop

The Very Rev. Christopher Morris,pastorstgeorgekearney@yahoo.com Design, Joanie KleinContact:stgeorgechronicle@yahoo.com

Church Office Phone:(308) 234-6969

Church website:www.saintgeorgekearney.com

Volume 3, No. 7, JULY 2017As of June 30 ... We have received $33,556 of the $88,969 we have budgeted for pledges.

As of June 30 ... We have received $10,628 of the $20,000 we have budgeted for trays and candles.

Thank you!

FINANCIALREPORT

$Year-to-date for 2017 fasting discipline

DURING JULY

The Tradi�onal fas�ng discipline of the Orthodox Church is observed on all Wednesdays and Fridays of this month. We fast from meat, poultry, eggs, fish, dairy products, wine, and oil.The Dormi�on Fast takes place August 1 - 14th, we fast everyday with excep�on on Sat. and Sun., when wine and oil are permi�ed. Saturday, August 6th is the Feast of our Lord’s Transfigura�on, there is an allowance for fish as well.

EST. 1903

PleaseRememberSt.Georgeand

yourparishfamilyinyourdailyprayers.

Unseen Warfare by Theophan the Recluse

“God never abandons those who fight in His

armies, although at �mes He lets them

suffer wounds.”Hell does not appear to the faithless; it is clear and obvious to the faithful.... – St. John Chrysostom